Kingsbridge Citizen Of The Year 2016

Phyliss Angliss is the winner of Kingsbridge Citizen of the Year 2016 sponsored by Kingsbridge Town Council. The award recognises the outstanding contribution of the work of people in the local community and this is the 13th year in which the competition has taken place.

Where do we start with Phyliss’ community endeavours? Well here goes….

During her earlier years Phyllis was engaged in various business activities including working for the BBC and was the chief technician in the Ophthalmic Department of City University, London. She has been an active participant in the Scientific Exploration Society and her varied contributions were recognised when she was made an Honorary Life Vice President along with other notable people such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes. In 1984 she moved to Devon and managed an Ophthalmic practice in Kingsbridge and her support of the area began.

For many years she has sat on the Inland Revenue Tax Commission as an unpaid member. Recently, she created local history by becoming the first female member of the Kingsbridge Rotary Club. Approximately 21 years ago she became involved with the South Hams Talking Newspaper for the Blind and partially sighted and for the last 14 years she has been its secretary and co-ordinator. This charity supports approximately 160 blind or partially sighted people in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Dartmouth and Ivybridge. She has set high standards in the recording of her work and her efforts have been gratefully acknowledged by the membership over the years. She maintains the rotas for the technicians and readers and supervises the multi-copying of tapes. She is in regular contact with her listeners and her concern for their welfare goes well beyond that of just being the co-ordinator with visits to the more vulnerable and makes representations on their behalf with statutory organisations when the need arises.

In addition to the Talking Newspaper, Phyliss also organises a weekly Talking Magazine completely on her own. She is assiduous in her research and produces a varied and most interesting magazine for the members, much of which is copied elsewhere by other Talking Newspaper organisations! This takes up a lot of her time each week – to do this week in, week out, requires absolute dedication, total commitment and huge reserves of energy. The Talking Newspaper is currently preparing to step-up to digitalised recording which she is embracing with her usual enthusiasm and knowledge. All of this and a red duffle coat too!